9 May: for a Europe that upholds the European social model [editar]
At a decisive moment for the future of the European Union, marked by negotiations on the next EU budget and a highly uncertain international climate, we at the Fundación Secretariado Gitano wish to use this 9 May, Europe Day, to highlight the need to defend and strengthen the European social model, which has been one of the fundamental pillars of the European project.
The European Union must remain true to the values enshrined in its treaties: a space for rights, social cohesion, equal opportunities and solidarity. And it is at this time of international uncertainty that it is most necessary to uphold and protect the very principles that define the European social model and ensure that no one is left behind.
Furthermore, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to what was then the European Economic Community, a process that has been instrumental in the democratic, social and economic modernisation of our country. Membership of the European Union has made a decisive contribution to strengthening rights and freedoms, advancing policies on equality and social cohesion, and creating opportunities for millions of people. Much of the progress in inclusion, education, employment and the fight against discrimination that is now part of our society has been linked to the advancement of the European project and the defence of a social model based on solidarity, social justice and fundamental rights
In this current context, we express our concern regarding the European Commission’s proposals on the role of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the European Union’s main instrument for promoting employment, social inclusion, the fight against poverty and equal opportunities, particularly for the most vulnerable groups, such as the Roma population.
For decades, the ESF+ has proven to be an essential tool for improving the lives of millions of vulnerable people across Europe. The reality faced by many Roma people in Spain shows that these challenges remain very much alive, and the ESF+ is one of the most effective tools for reversing this situation. Serious inequalities persist in areas such as employment, education and housing, as do situations of discrimination and anti-Roma sentiment that require sustained public policies and sufficient resources. In recent weeks, various European and Spanish social organisations, including the Fundación Secretariado Gitano, have conveyed to the European institutions the importance of protecting and strengthening the ESF+ as a guarantee of a fairer and more inclusive Europe.
We therefore believe that the current negotiations on the European Union’s future financial framework must ensure a strong, independent and adequately funded European Social Fund Plus, capable of continuing to address major social challenges such as child poverty, unemployment, inequality, discrimination, housing exclusion, the digital divide and the rise of hate speech and racism.
On Europe Day 2026, we wish to recall that the European project was founded on the values of peace, democracy, solidarity and human rights. Today, more than ever, we need a Europe that remains committed to social justice and to the most vulnerable. Defending a social Europe means defending a more cohesive, more democratic and stronger Europe. And defending the European Social Fund Plus means defending real opportunities for millions of people.
We hope that the European institutions will rise to the challenge of what the current moment demands, so that we can continue to make progress and move forward with cohesion and equality for all of us living in the EU.
